Pet Care Tips for Winter

Winter is a difficult time for pets. Outdoor animals need extra care in order to cope with the cold weather. Special attention should also be paid to older animals, young puppies and animals with short coats.

It is important for all animals to be properly nourished during the winter months. Outdoor animals can require as much as 25% more food during the winter months than during warmer months. The increase in food is necessary to generate enough heat for the body to stay warm. Indoor animals often require less food since exercise may be limited.

Pets require adequate shelter during the cold weather. Outdoor dogs should have an insulated doghouse that is protected from the wind. The doghouse should not be too large (the heat that the dog generates is used to keep him/her warm) and the opening should face south or southeast. A plastic flap should cover the entrance, especially during windy days. Straw, hay or blankets make excellent bedding material.

Caution - do not use a heat lamp, space heater, or other device not approved for use with animals. This is a burn hazard for your pet and a fire hazard. Pet supply vendors sell heated mats for pets to sleep on or to be placed under a doghouse, but read and follow directions carefully before use.   Cords for electrical appliances should be placed so that the pet who is prone to chew does not have access to them.

Outdoor animals cannot eat snow for a source of water. Clean, fresh water must be provided several times each day since in cold weather it freezes quickly. A water heater is a practical solution, however it must be safe and installed properly.   

During the cold weather, cats often take shelter under the hood of cars. A warm engine is a comfortable area for a cat to rest. When the car is started, the cat risks severe injuries from the fan belt or blades. Before starting a car, knock on the hood or raise it in order to conduct a safety check.

 
Paws should be checked regularly during the winter months. Snow and ice should be removed from the fur located between the toes. Damp paws should be thoroughly dried. Moisture that accumulates between the toes can cause sores.

Deicing chemicals and salt are common irritants. Pets who walk on sidewalks that have been "de-iced" with salt or chemicals are prone to dry, chapped, and potentially painful paws. This will encourage the pet to lick their paws, and ingestion may cause gastrointestinal irritation and upset.  If these products are commonly used, animals’ paws should be washed with a warm wet cloth or footbath.


This is actually a winter and summer potential problem. Cats and dogs are attracted to the sweet smell and taste of antifreeze, and will often sample some if left out in a container or spilled on the garage floor.

Antifreeze is highly toxic. It is rapidly absorbed (initial signs appear approximately one hour post-ingestion), and there is a high mortality rate. Other sources of this deadly chemical are: heat exchange fluids (sometimes used in solar collectors), some brake and transmissions fluids as well as diethylene glycol used in color film processing.

Acute cases (within 12 hours of ingestion) often present as if the animal was intoxicated with alcohol: stumbling, vomiting and depression are common signs. The kidneys are most severely affected, and even if the animal seems to improve initially with treatment, they may succumb shortly after to kidney failure. The kidneys shut down, and the animal is unable to produce urine. This type of kidney failure usually happens 12-24 hours after ingestion in cats, and 36-72 hours post ingestion in dogs. Success of treatment is dependent upon quick treatment. If you suspect that your animal has come into contact with antifreeze, contact Greens Fork Animal Hospital immediately. (765) 886-5191 or (765) 962-4389

A safe alternative to Ethylene Glycol antifreeze is available, it is called propylene glycol, and while it does cost a small amount more than 'regular' antifreeze, it is worth the piece of mind.

If your pet sleeps in the garage...
As mentioned above, be on the alert for any antifreeze leakage or antifreeze containers left out where they could spill or be chewed on. Also, do NOT start the car in a closed garage - for your safety and your pet's safety – carbon monoxide is a silent killer.


Pets often experience dry skin during the winter months. Lack of humidity tends to dry the skin. Frequent grooming (brushing) helps stimulate the production of oil from the skin glands.

 
Occasionally an animal is accidentally left outdoors for an extended period of time. As a result, frostbite may occur. The most common areas for frostbite are the tips of the ears, paw pads, and the tip of the tail. The frostbite area should be bathed in warm water (not hot) then the animal should be taken to a veterinary hospital.

If the temperature drops below 15 degrees F., the pet should be moved indoors. If an animal is shivering or refuses to play, this generally means that he/she is too cold and should be moved inside.

Return to Medical Notes Index